Group photo of residents and pets at Whole Village Ecovillage in winter.

Whole Village Ecovillage

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 1995

What we do

Whole Village is located on 191 acres near Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. Most of the members live on the farm in Greenhaven, our eco-residence. Whole Village members envision a transformed world in which humanity lives in right relationship within the web of life..Our mission is to be a co-operative farming ecovillage that aspires to model and support resilient, just, and regenerative systems.
We are an ecologically sustainable and environmentally sensitive community that tries to protect and enhance the natural habitat through a system of land stewardship embracing the unique geographical, historical, cultural, and biological attributes of the land.
Whole Village operates a not-for profit legal housing co-operative (Greenhaven) within a legal for-profit farm co-operative. We have a conservation easement that protects the land, apply permaculture principles and carry out eco-agricultural initiatives. Our mixed farm is operated by members and includes a CSA, a maple syrup co-op, a cattle co-op, orchards, food forests, pastures, hay and grain fields, as well as two forests and a pond. There are 3 levels of membership, the shareholders owning shares of land, membership, and housing.

Our Mission

Whole Village is a co-operative farming ecovillage that aspires to model and support resilient, just, and regenerative systems.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Sustainability practices
  • Regenerative agriculture or permaculture
  • Permaculture design
  • Activities
  • Property management
  • Farming
  • Experiences
  • Services Business

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 1995
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2006
  • Started living together

Gallery

  • 15 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
23

How to join

Orientation for 3 hours in person or occasionally by ZOOM; assignment of a mentor; 3 month minimum membership process – meetings, events, work bees, interviews; 2 – 3 week immersion, autobio exchange; questionnaire.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Please email at least one week in advance of your intended visit. No pets please. There is a charge of $50 for a tour for 2 people. Each additional person is $50. Or attend one of our monthly Orientation sessions for $20 per person. See the website for dates.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.

Decision-making process

  • Modified Consensus

Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Conflict resolution approach

Long-term guests can join as associates,then provisional membership after a year. They have most of the rights of shareholders except for blocking power.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a one-time fee, investment, or share purchase to join the community separate from accessing housing
  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Join fee: Yes
Regular fees: $110
Labor: Yes (7 hrs/week)
Aftter a probationalry year, residents may apply to become shareholders paying $50,000 for a land share, and in addition, a housing share depending on which suite they choose.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Community activities and engagement

  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
  • Ethical Business, Investment Group, or Alternative Currency
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure

Gender composition

  • Majority cis (over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Multi-generational (all ages well represented)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By several individuals through an LLC or a Tenancy In Common agreement

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Ecovillage

    Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.

Sustainability approach

  • Regenerative agriculture or permaculture
  • Permaculture design

Land practices in our community

  • The community practices permaculture

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar
  • Biomass (from wood or other organic materials)

Self-produced food

  • 33 - 66%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Food forest
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Land area size
    191 acres

Guest Book

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Location

  • Ontario, Canada

Needs and Offers

Connecting communities through an intentional online marketplace

  • Promoted
Offer
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
3 weeks ago

Cohousing Townhome near the beach in Aptos, CA

6026 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. A 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1100 square foot townhouse in the New Brighton Cohousing Community. The townhouse is two stories with a full bathroom on each floor and both bedrooms upstairs. The townhouse for sale is a beautiful end unit with a lot of natural light and a large private backyard. Located directly across from the common house and next to the play area, you can enjoy morning coffee on the private balcony overlooking the courtyard. New Brighton Cohousing is a small 11 unit cohousing community, an easy walk to New Brighton State Beach.The central location of this community provides easy access to Highway 1 as well as close proximity to Cabrillo College and local amenities. Cohousing Values and Participation: We formed a multigenerational community, with like-minded owners who participate in governance and events that foster community and a sense of belonging. We have a community organic garden, courtyard, and play area for kids. Our common house has a deck overlooking the courtyard where we have meals, weather permitting, otherwise eating in the community dining room. Our common house has two guest bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room/kitchen, living room/den, and kid’s playroom. We have a garage for bicycles and shared tools. Our community is designed, owned and managed by the community. We rehabilitated our buildings and designed our community at our inception in 2007, but continue to evolve. We meet every other month for a business meeting where we make decisions about policies, repairs, budgets, etc. On the alternate months, we meet for community connection meetings where we learn and develop skills for communication, conflict resolution, values discussions, or just have fun together. Everyone works on a committee (finance, maintenance or facilitation) and these committees work for the community. We also belong to an “affinity group” – garden, landscape or common house. Usually we each work about an hour per wee
Offer
  • Communities with Openings
7 months ago

Worktrade Opportunities on Big Island Hawaii

We are continuing our work-trade program at Bridge Hawaii for the right people on this beautiful 86-acre land located along the Hāmākua Coast. Ideally, we want to host those individuals who can help with the garden and who can support with build projects for up to a 3 month stay. This work-trade would include lodging, food staples, community kitchen, running hot water showers, off-grid electricity, and laundry. There is access to high speed wi-fi. We often have a car that can be reserved. We also have full bar signal strength with Verizon cellphone service. We have about 2 acres of permaculture garden that needs to be cared for including; weeding, planting, picking up mulch, some tree trimming, ect. We are currently in a building stage on the land. We have a few current grant projects we are working on and some build projects that are underway. We are an intentional community with about 8 permanent residents. There are rescue dairy cows, mini cows, mini donkeys, horses, a donkey, cats, dogs, and active bee hives. We are a drug and alcohol “free” space. A glass of wine or beer with dinner is fine, but absolutely no day drinking or parties. We have a meditation temple and many waterfall pools that are wonderful for swimming. Close to some of the nicest beaches on island. We have snorkeling gear and a kayak. Since this is an animal sanctuary, we limit the consumption of meat on the land. Fish, eggs, honey, and dairy are fine. Let me know if you’re interested by sending an email or text for our application. Maomi (801) 623-0738 ma***@*****************ii.com
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just

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